Dalnavert Museum's glimmer of hope

Historic site would be kept open to public

Dalnavert Museum. The long-running museum may be closing. - (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press)Tim Worth, former curator of Dalnavert Museum, poses on the stairs. - (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press archives)In this 2001 photo, volunteer Jean Hardt poses in front of Dalnavert Museum. - (Linda Vermette / Winnipeg Free Press archives)Former volunteer (and former Winnipeg Free Press reporter) Jen Skerritt poses inside Dalnavert Museum in this archive photo. - (Linda Vermette / Winnipeg Free Press archives)Actors Ian Mozdzen (front) and Doug Melnyk act out a scene from their play 'Dalnavert Copperfield' in this 2012 photo. The play is a performative tour that takes place throughout Dalnavert Museum, and is a mix of Charles Dickens and the real-life history of the museum. - (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press archives)This 2011 photo shows The Ghosts of Dalnavert by Bolshevixen Art Collective, a collection of cinemagraphs that combining elements of still photography and video that selectively capture a moment in time. It was part of Phantasmagoria, an art show on the theme of spooky, ghostly Victorian magic-lantern projections that was held at Dalnavert Museum. - (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press archives)Winnipeg Stories: Sacrificial Memories by Clint Enns was part of a 2011 exhibit at Dalnavert called Phantasmagoria. The experimental film is made from discarded film footage found in thrift shops and flea markets in Winnipeg. - (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press archives)Mani Pisindawatch by Caroline Monnet was part of a 2011 exhibit held at Dalnavert Museum called Phantasmagoria. The multimedia installation bridged the gap between passing generations and the constant evolution of the surrounding landscape. - (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press archives)In this 2010 photo, Helga Jakobson's Shadow Play is displayed at Dalnavert Museum as part of Phantasmagoria, a spooky, ghostly show with various artist exhibits showcased in different rooms throughout the house. - (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press archives)In this 2005 photo, Dalnavert Museum is filled with Christmas decorations. - (Mike Aporius / Winnipeg Free Press archives)Dalnavert Museum. - (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press)

Hey there, time traveller!This article was published 17/11/2013 (1117 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Some elder statesmen of Winnipeg's heritage movement are mounting a quiet rescue mission to save the Dalnavert Museum.

The group of eight past-presidents of the Manitoba Historical Society, the museum's owner, say they want to keep the national historic site as a public museum. They have a hearing next week to make their case before a meeting of the society's president and the board.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

While the events centre, office and gift shop have stayed open, Dalnavert Museum;s doors have been shut since the Labour Day weekend. Purchase Photo Print

"They've closed the museum, which means it's not functioning, and we know it's a long-term obligation (of the society) to run the museum. We have questions on how that's being done and we have suggestions on how to help," past-president David McDowell said.

"It's an ongoing saga. We have our ideas and we'll see how we're received," he said.

McDowell was selected as the spokesman for the group, whose tenures at the historical society span decades, beginning with McDowell's term during the 1970s.

The downtown Dalnavert Museum, located at 61 Carlton St., is one of Winnipeg's finest examples of Queen Anne revival architecture. It was closed after Labour Day and coverage tied the closure to poor attendance, falling revenues and fundraising challenges.

An attached events centre, with a meeting room, office space and gift shop has remained open.

Dalnavert is the restored 1895 home of Hugh John Macdonald, son of Canada's first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. He was twice elected as a Conservative MP and was briefly the minister of the interior in 1896.

Parks Canada, the federal authority for national historic sites, said in an email statement the designation means the integrity of the house must remain intact. Modifications to the structure can be made but there are limits.

"If the building is destroyed or if modifications are made to the extent that the integrity of the site is compromised, the designation may be revoked," the email said. In addition to closing the museum, the historical society raised the possibility of a future sale of Dalnavert.

"The major feeling was it should not be sold but we're also realistic enough to know we have to look at all the options, " McDowell said.

McDowell is a mainstay of Winnipeg's heritage movement, and is known for his work in saving the city's historic architecture. He was president of the Manitoba Historical Society at the height of the museum's last resurrection 40 years ago and led marches on city hall that helped push through the city bylaw protecting heritage buildings.

More recently, he chaired Heritage Winnipeg for two terms and was Manitoba's governor of the Heritage Canada Foundation from 1997 to 2003.

The society's current president said coverage of Dalnavert's closing has increased interest in the museum's future.

"One of the advantages of the media is we've had a lot of offers, a lot of suggestions and that will give us material to discuss. We'll have the winter to discuss it and we don't have to act in haste," James Kostuchuk said.

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